Panic! What the heck is my body doing?

5'8" 27 yr F @ 135#'s

I have gained 10#'s in the past 3 1/2 months.  This is due to coming off a very intense training schedule and adjusting to a car culture, verses living in NYC (Dad is sick, had to move back).

I am seriously starting to panic.  I want to be healthy A-#1.  I am quite active, although not as much as I was in NYC.  I know that I was too low before but this gradual gain has me freaked (I lost my period and just recently got it back after 5 months).

I am keeping at/around 2200 calories a day, a good balance although I don't really eat meat or meat substitutes (gross).  I try like heck to get my protein in but I really only like PB as a protein source, sometimes yogurt or light cheese too but i have to force myself, I just don't like it.  I am good with F&V, whole grains, etc.

My activity is pretty good too, I think.  I do 60-80% MHR cardio for 60 mins 5 times a week, strength 2-3 times a week and I am active in my job.

I have been dieting for the past 4 years straight.  I don't even know what I like anymore.  I know that I do like being active but I don't want to kill myself to maintain.  I need to find balance.

My question - will my body level off?  Is my body gaining because it needs to or because I'm eating too much/not exercising enough?  I am working out hard, it's a part of my life but I have worked out alot harder when I was losing.

Right now I feel like I should cut my intake because if that scale creeps up one more pound I'm going to go nuts!  Speaking of which, think I should break up with my beloved PB?  It's the only thing that keeps my hair from falling out but it's super fatty, I know.

My honest opinion is that if you just got your period back, you REALLY don't need to lose any weight right now.  I have also gained about 10lbs (since Nov/Dec), but am still waiting for mine to return.  You are gaining gradually, and your body probably needs it.

Don't give up PB!  The fact that it is "fatty" is probably part of the reason you got your period back....you need that fat!  Before you do anything, you need to give your body time to adjust and trust you again.

Have you tried beans? There are so many different kinds and they may actually be better for you than most meats. I agree with misty that it is good that you have your period back. If you are gaining weight it is probably muscle mass. What you wrote down is a hefty workout. Don't freak out with the numbers on the scale. As long as you feel good is all that matters. Every time I trained for something I gained weight with muscle mass so no worries.